Indy’s Happy Hours: It’s All About the Crowd

A great happy hour goes beyond drink specials. A great happy hour is one that draws an eclectic crowd and boasts a unique atmosphere. So, where in Indy are the best happy hours?

Monday- $1 drafts

Bourbon Street Distillery located in downtown Indianapolis is quite the popular spot on a Monday night. Two stories, outdoor seating on both levels and dollar drafts lure a truly mixed crowd. Did I mention the dollar drafts? The bar food is also really great. There are many, many options; all of which go beyond standard bar fare.

Tuesday- half-price glasses of wine in the heart of downtown

Located in the first floor of the Conrad Hotel, Tastings offers small plates, wine sampling and on Tuesday half-price glasses of wine. Tastings is recommended for after-work business meetings and for anyone looking for a nice selection of wines.

Wednesday- Manhattans and martinis

Kurt Vonnegut enjoyed time here. Locals savor the time warp. The Red Key Tavern, located at 52nd and College Ave, is a great place to enjoy happy hour. Though there are daily drink specials, I recommend going on Wednesday to enjoy $4.25 Manhattans and martinis. Red Key’s Manhattan has a reputation in Indy; many trusted locals call it their favorite drink. Go, play a song on jukebox, and out of respect for the surroundings, live a few moments without your phone.

Another Wednesday night mention ALL drinks at Kilroy’s downtown are half-price on Wednesdays. Ladies, check out the water long islands.

Thursday- martinis on Mass Ave

A crowded bar is a guarantee on a Thursday night at Mesh on Mass. Mesh boasts a great half-price martini menu on Thursday nights as well as a well-priced appetizers menu from 4 pm to 6 pm. The fish tacos and salads are especially great.

Friday- beer tastings and growler fills

Taking you out of the bar scene, check out Indy’s local breweries for free beer tastings and specials on growler fills. There are a plethora of options in and around downtown Indy, including Sun King Brewing Co., Flat 12 Bierwerks and Fountain Square Brewing Co. These tasting rooms draw fun crowds with people of all kinds. Not a bad way to spend a Friday night.

Other happy hour mentions:

Check out McCormick and Schmick’s located in Indy’s downtown Hilton Hotel for daily happy hour specials from 4 pm to 6:30 pm.